Neighbourhood to Know: Pantai Batu Bolong

Over the past few years Canggu has seen a transformation from a series of small villages skirting the sea and hidden in the rice paddies to vibrant pockets containing cool restaurants, independent shops and spas and gorgeous villas. One of our fave areas in Canggu by far is Pantai Batu Bolong for its stellar surf breaks and beach chic vibe. If you haven’t made it down here yet, you’ll definitely want to make a trip to check out some of these happening spots.

Old Man’s

Not too many places can pull off a buzzing vibe in both the day and night, but Old Man’s does just that. This colourful and quirky eatery and bar has a range of seating outside on the patio overlooking the beach, on cushioned benches and wooden tables under the covered patio, or at the bar. Head here for lunch to grab fresh salads, sandwiches and gelato, or come for a seafood BBQ dinner as the sun sets over the ocean and stay on for groovy tunes and potent cocktails after dark.

Flow & Yonder

This cool little shop sells an eclectic mix of surf wear and gear, boards, sunnies, bikinis and bags. You’ll find cool brands for men and women, as well as colourful pieces for the kiddies. To get here, follow the signs leading you down Jalan Batu Bolong and you can’t miss the glass fronted building overlooking the rice paddies. Flow and Yonder is up the stairs above Roti Canai.

House of Alaia

Pick up some bling before heading out on the town at House of Alaia, where you can grab cool rings, medallions, bracelets and earrings inspired by nature, global cultures, and love. The space also functions as a centre for jewellery making classes. The classes are open to artistic types of all ages, and they include materials, instruction and your own piece of handmade jewellery to take home.

Goldust Beauty Lounge

If there is anything more decadent than soothing your skin with 24-karat gold, we don’t know what it is. Goldust Beauty Lounge offers luxurious facials that use pure gold leaf and 24-karat gold masks to stimulate circulation, calm inflammation, hydrate, smooth and soften the skin. They also have a full spa menu that includes massages, body scrubs and wraps, hair cream baths, and manis and pedis, and a range of vibrant kaftans and resort wear all in their bright modern space just up the road from the beach.

With traditional Balinese architecture, lush gardens and a 20-metre pool, Villa Belong Dua is so much more than your usual holiday rental accommodation. This exotic 2-bedroom villa offers stand-alone pavilions spread out across the grounds, an expansive lawn dotted with fruit and flower trees, plenty of indoor and outdoor lounging space, and access to modern amenities like iPod docks, LCD satellite TVs, and DVD players, plus a full complement of staff to look after your every need. We highly recommend Villa Belong Dua as base for a romantic Canggu getaway.

For larger groups and families, Villa Paloma is a true home away from home in Canggu. Unlike so many other ‘made-to-order’ villas, 5-bedroom Villa Paloma was once the family home of the owners and the vibe here is pure comfort with a dash of luxury thrown in for good measure. Chill out on the comfy sofas with one of the many books and magazines stacked on the tables next to antique statues and lamps, splash around in the pool surrounded by tropical greenery, or gather for a game of billiards, a gourmet meal, or a good movie with friends and loved ones.